ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghab Hussain Naeemi clarified on Wednesday that the top clerics body had described the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as “un-Islamic” independently and not under the influence of Pakistan’s powerful military or government.
Pakistani authorities last week announced a ban on the use of VPNs, citing their use by militant groups for financial transactions and violent activities, which was criticized by rights activists and independent analysts. The CII issued a statement later, declaring the usage of VPNs as un-Islamic. The ban followed the government’s earlier move to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow it to identify IP addresses associated with “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks. Pakistan has already blocked access to social media platform X since the February general elections, with the government saying the blocking was to stop anti-state activities and due to a failure by X to adhere to local Pakistani laws.
These moves have caused Internet disruptions over the past couple of months. Independent analysts have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of suppressing criticism by former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters on digital media. They allege that the CII issued its statement against the use of VPNs last week at the government and military’s behest, who wanted to provide a religious cover to the Internet restrictions. The government and Pakistan’s military deny this.
“Even today, it is the council’s own initiative, independent of any influence or direction from the government, establishment, security agencies or any ministry,” Naeemi told Arab News on the sidelines of a press conference. In Pakistan, establishment is a well-known euphemism for the military.
“And it is not directed against any political party or to support anyone but aiming to prevent the immoral use of VPNs and block blasphemous content.”
The cleric said that the importance of social media and other technological tools cannot be denied, adding that their “positive use” has become a necessity of the times.
“Administrative measures should be adopted to prevent their misuse and the council believes that merely imposing restrictions on modern tools is not a solution; it is equally important to enable their positive use and to offer viable alternatives,” the CII chief said.
Naeemi said the CII has decided to conduct further research on the topic from an Islamic perspective in consultation with experts.
In a press conference earlier, Naeemi said VPNs and other social media applications are not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic. He said their permissibility according to Islam depends on their usage.
“If it is used to spread or access content that involves disrespect, blasphemy, unrest, anarchy or is against national security, such usage will undoubtedly be deemed impermissible in Shariah,” he said.
Naeemi backed the government’s move to regulate the use of VPNs through registration.
“Social media should be used for promoting Islamic values, building moral character, advancing education and training, fostering trade, strengthening national peace and security, and other lawful objectives,” Naeemi said.
